Who says you come to Kraków only for the Market Square and Wawel? With a little planning you can combine the thrills of the amusement park in Zator with the one-of-a-kind stained glass windows by Stanisław Wyspiański in the Franciscan church, plus a few cycling trips around the area. Energylandia is located about 45-50 km from central Kraków, so it makes a straightforward day trip, and you can arrange the rest of the week to leave time both for culture and for active relaxation.
The text below is a practical guide — what to see, how to get there, what to avoid and where to go for a good coffee or dinner after a full day. Everything in a friendly tone so your stay is pleasant and stress-free.
If you like, I can also prepare a personalized plan based on your arrival date and preferences (pace of sightseeing, children, accommodation).
Energylandia in Zator is the largest amusement park in Poland and a popular day-trip destination from Kraków. On site you’ll find zones for the youngest visitors, family attractions and extreme roller coasters, as well as water areas. The park offers different ticket types and packages (ticket + meal, ticket + overnight stay, etc.), which makes planning easier.
How to get there: driving is the most convenient option (A4 motorway with exits toward Alwernia/Oświęcim), but there are also train + bus options and seasonal charter coaches. If you plan to cycle, keep in mind the distance and route profile — many people combine cycling with public transport or a car.
Practical tips: buy tickets online in advance; arrive early to avoid the longest queues; have a backup plan in case of bad weather; check the park calendar because some attractions and shuttle services are seasonal.
There is a large parking area and family facilities on site, but during peak season allow extra time to walk from the parking to the entrance.
The Basilica of St. Francis in Kraków houses some of Stanisław Wyspiański’s most famous stained-glass windows, including the monumental piece known as "God the Father - 'Let There Be'" and a cycle depicting the four elements and figures such as Blessed Salomea and St. Francis. The windows were created around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, with glass sourced in part from Innsbruck, and Wyspiański paid great attention to color selection — the visual effect changes with the light and time of day.
What to know before you enter: this is an active church and place of worship, so respect silence and appropriate dress; be aware of Mass times and services that may restrict access to certain areas. The best conditions to view the windows often occur on sunny days when light brings out their colors. In recent years conservation work has been carried out, so what you see today is the result of Wyspiański’s original design and protective restoration.
If you plan to photograph, check the rules in the church — flash or commercial photography may be restricted.
It’s worth combining a visit here with a walk through the nearby streets — the church is close to the Royal Route, so you can continue on to Wawel or the city center.
The area around Kraków is great for cycling: the city’s bike paths connect to the Vistula Bicycle Route and local trails. The cycling distance from central Kraków to Zator varies by route — roughly 68 km to over 110 km depending on how direct or scenic you go. Common choices are shorter, more direct routes on local roads or longer, calmer sections using dedicated bike paths and the VeloMałopolska network.
Practical solutions: if you don’t want to ride the entire distance in one day, consider taking a train to Oświęcim or Wadowice and continuing by bike from there; many cyclists reach Oświęcim via the Vistula Route and then proceed onward. Check the rules for bike carriage on trains regarding fees and space (spots for bikes can be limited).
Recent investments and link-ups (for example sections between Wadowice and Zator or connections to the Vistula Route) make planning easier and improve safety, but some stretches still require sharing local roads with motor traffic, so allow extra time and carry basic repair tools.
Day 1: Arrival in Kraków, short walk around the Old Town, dinner in an atmospheric restaurant on the Royal Route.
Day 2: Morning walk to Wawel, visit the Franciscan church — Wyspiański’s stained glass and a moment of reflection; afternoon in museums (National Museum, Sukiennice) or a relaxed coffee break at a cafe.
Day 3: Bike outing to the southwest — a section of the Vistula Bicycle Route, possible ride to Oświęcim/Wadowice or shorter rides around Przegorzały/Las Wolski.
Day 4: Full-day trip to Energylandia (book tickets online and arrive early). In the evening take a relaxed walk around Kazimierz and enjoy dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Day 5: A lighter day after the park — explore Kazimierz, Jewish heritage sites, cafes and local galleries; consider an evening concert or cabaret.
Day 6: A longer bike or car trip to Ojców National Park to see rock formations and castles; bring a picnic if weather allows.
Day 7: Free time to complete anything you missed — shopping, a favorite cafe, farewell dinner and departure.
This layout gives breathing space between active days and quieter ones, which is especially convenient for families and visitors who want to enjoy Kraków without rushing.
Restaurants and cafes: visit places appreciated by both tourists and locals. Trusted addresses include the historic Pod Aniołami — known for traditional Polish cuisine in Gothic cellars, the intimate Café Camelot on the Old Town, and the classic Noworolski cafe in the Cloth Hall. When choosing a place to eat, I recommend booking in advance for the evening, especially on weekends.
Accommodation: if you want convenience and a central location, hotels such as Hotel Stary or Sheraton Grand Kraków are highly rated and offer comfortable standards, good breakfasts and easy access to major attractions. When choosing an apartment or guesthouse, pay attention to its location relative to arrival/departure points (Main Train Station) and parking availability if you plan to use a car.
If you travel with family and plan a visit to Energylandia, consider accommodation with easy access to the A4 motorway or packages that include park tickets and a night near the park.
1. Planning Energylandia on a whim during peak season - fix: buy tickets online and arrive early.
2. Ignoring Mass times at churches - fix: check the service schedule so you can view the stained glass without crowds or restricted access.
3. Trying to ride the entire distance by bike without scouting the route - fix: check route profiles, bring extra water, an offline map on your phone and basic tools.
4. Not reserving a table at popular restaurants - fix: reserve an evening table, especially on weekends.
5. Underestimating travel time around Kraków - fix: plan shorter sightseeing blocks and leave time for rest.
Can you see Wyspiański’s stained glass for free? Yes — the church is a place of worship and entry is usually free, but donations are appreciated and remember to check Mass times and potential access limits.
Is it easy to get to Energylandia from Kraków? Yes — it’s about 45-50 km by car and there are public transport options; seasonal transfers also operate at times.
Is it worth cycling to Zator? It depends on your fitness and the route: there are options for seasoned cyclists (longer rides of 90-115 km) and shorter segments; an alternative is combining cycling with a train or bus.
Do I need to reserve a table at the best restaurants? Definitely during weekends and the tourist season — popular venues have limited seating.
Is it worth hiring a guide? If you want deeper historical and artistic context (for example about Wyspiański) or prefer a convenient, tailored program, a private guide can greatly enrich the visit.
Wyspiański personally selected glass samples and checked them by holding them up to the light — that’s why the colors of his windows can be unpredictable and change depending on the time of day.
Energylandia is more than roller coasters — the park often hosts themed shows and zones, so check the calendar before you travel.
In Kraków it’s useful to have a map of bike routes on hand and to learn about local infrastructure projects — planned connections (for example sections linking Wadowice with Zator) are gradually making bike trips from the city easier.
If you found this article helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends you’re traveling with. Małgorzata Kasprowicz — private guide for zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — is happy to help refine your plan, book visits and recommend places that match your interests (contact available on the site).
Wishing you a wonderful stay in Kraków — may it be a week full of color, great food and cycling memories!
